TSA implements new screening directives for Turkish cargo

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued enhanced screening methods for air cargo originating from Turkey as of Sept. 7.

   New security directives for enhanced screening of cargo from Turkey have been implemented by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as of Sept. 7, the administration announced.
   According to TSA, the enhanced screening directives are “to adequately address emerging threats to cargo and raise the baseline for global aviation security,” as “cargo flying to the United States is screened and secured in accordance with the Air Cargo Advance Screening Program.”
   The directive was made after intelligence reports found increased terrorist movements out of Turkey as well as an incident that occurred in Australia involving bomb materials from Turkey.   
   According to Reuters, the bomb plot targeted an Etihad Airways flight on July 15. An Australian man sent his brother to the Sydney airport to “catch an Etihad Airways flight carrying a home-made bomb disguised as a meat mincer built at the direction of a senior Islamic State commander,” Reuters reported.   
   High-grade military explosives used to build the bomb were shipped in via air from Turkey as part of a plot “inspired and directed by the militant Islamic State group,” police Deputy Commissioner National Security Michael Phelan told Reuters.
   The two men were caught before the bomb could be detonated, but officials say it was a sophisticated plot and have charged the men with terror-related offenses.
   After the Australia incident, TSA has created an emergency amendment to ensure Turkish air cargo undergo enhanced screening.
   “The requirements outlined in this directive are already being voluntarily applied in Turkey. This security directive/emergency amendment codifies the security measures and ensures that we can enforce these measures,” TSA stated.